The Mystery Traditions: Secret Symbols and Sacred Art - Paperback

by James Wasserman (Author)

A beautifully illustrated lexicon of the major symbology of the great esoteric traditions

- Includes a new chapter on secret societies and their role in safeguarding and transmitting of esoteric knowledge

- Includes a full-color reproduction of the medieval alchemical masterpiece Splendor Solis

Symbol in the esoteric sense is not to be confused with allegory; symbolic images are the alphabet of the "theory of correspondences" that underlies all the Mystery traditions of the West. This theory recognizes the interdependent relationship of all things and provides, for example, the basis of the belief that the position of the stars in the heavens will influence our thought, emotion, and perception. It also explains how the alchemist's work with base metals will result in a transformation of his own consciousness.

In The Mystery Traditions James Wasserman offers a full-color lexicon of occult imagery drawn from the Kabbalah and tarot as well as the traditions of magic, alchemy, and astrology, accompanied by commentary on each image's significance and the wisdom teachings from which it derives. In this new edition he also looks at the pivotal role played by secret societies in safeguarding and transmitting these teachings and presents rarely seen artifacts of these societies. Among the splendid offerings in this collection are all 22 paintings of the medieval alchemical masterpiece Splendor Solis in full color and works by significant artists and esoteric thinkers such as Leonardo da Vinci, Robert Fludd, Austin Osman Spare, Harry Smith, Manly P. Hall, and Raymond Lull. This book provides an excellent introduction to the timeless and hidden dimensions of occult practice. An extensive bibliography of classical occult works also complements this unique collection.

Back Jacket

OCCULT STUDIES / HERMETICISM Symbolic images are the alphabet of the theory of correspondences that underlies all the Mystery traditions of the West. This theory recognizes an implicit interdependence of all things in the universe and the existence of multiple relationships between various aspects of nature's kaleidoscopic richness. Through the beauty and symmetry shown in the holy art of the alchemist, the magician, and the priestess, we can see the spiritual heritage and operating principles of Western Esotericism. In The Mystery Traditions James Wasserman offers a full-color lexicon of occult imagery drawn from the Kabbalah and tarot as well as the traditions of magick, alchemy, esoteric sexuality, and astrology, accompanied by commentary on each image's significance and the wisdom teachings from which it derives. In this revised and expanded edition of Art and Symbols of the Occult he also looks at the pivotal role played by secret societies in safeguarding and transmitting these teachings and presents rarely seen artifacts of such groups. Among the splendid offerings in this collection are all twenty-two paintings of the medieval alchemical masterpiece Splendor Solis in full color and works by significant artists and esoteric thinkers such as Leonardo da Vinci, Robert Fludd, Austin Osman Spare, Harry Smith, Manly P. Hall, and Raymond Lull. This book provides an excellent introduction to the timeless and hidden dimensions of occult practice. An extensive bibliography of classical occult works also complements this unique collection. JAMES WASSERMAN is the author of the bestselling Templars and Assassins: The Militia of Heaven and The Slaves Shall Serve: Meditations on Liberty. He is responsible for the widely acclaimed restoration of the Papyrus of Ani, published in full color with an integrated English translation in The Egyptian Book of the Dead: The Book of Going Forth by Day, and also played a key role in presenting the works of Aleister Crowley, including the Thoth Tarot cards, The Holy Books of Thelema, as well as his Aleister Crowley and the Practice of the Magical Diary. A longtime student of the occult sciences, he lives in New York City.

Author Biography

James Wasserman (1948-2020) was the author of the bestselling Templars and Assassins: The Militia of Heaven and The Slaves Shall Serve: Meditations on Liberty. He was a longtime student of the occult sciences and lived in New York City.